POLOKWANE – Three officers from the Seshego Police Station appeared in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

Sgt Malatji Mpao Thabo (44), Sgt Nkoana Khomotso James (40) and Sgt Mabitsi Kgoroshi Jan (47), were each granted bail of R1 000.

The case has been postponed to July 8 for a regional court hearing and further investigation.

According to police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba, the officers were arrested after an incident on August 9, 2021 when they reportedly visited a residence in Moletji, Ga-Chokwe, under the guise of conducting legitimate police operations.

Dressed in civilian clothes, they falsely claimed to be police officers from Pretoria and referenced the complainant’s name, instructing the family to contact him.

Upon the complainant’s return, the officers searched his bedroom and seized 235 sachets of nyaope. They are then said to have demanded money in exchange for a lighter sentence, initially requesting R2 000. The victim, however, could only offer R500.

Unable to provide the full amount, the victim sought financial assistance from his family, who eventually raised the required funds.

After the transaction, the victim was arrested and taken to the Seshego Police Station, where he was coerced into paying an admission of guilt fine (J534) for an alleged illegal gambling offence.

Following these events, the complainant decided to open a case against the implicated officers.

The case was transferred to the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime Investigation Unit for a thorough examination. After an extensive investigation, the three officers were directly implicated and subsequently arrested.

“The investigation revealed the officers’ involvement in the incident, leading to their arrests,” Ledwaba explained.

The upcoming regional court hearing on July 8 will determine the next steps in the case as investigations continue.